For a delightful evening experience, pair the classic and comforting Simple Beef Stroganoff with the intriguing novel 'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig and savor a side of the creamy and warm White Russian cocktail. This combination works beautifully as the hearty and creamy flavors of the dish complement the reflective and philosophical nature of the book. Meanwhile, the smooth and delicious White Russian rounds out the meal with its coffee liqueur and cream notes, meshing perfectly with both the meal and the storytelling. Embark on a journey of flavor and thought as you enjoy this perfectly curated set.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Egg noodles or rice (for serving)
Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
- Season the beef strips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef strips and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are tender and have released their juices, about 5 minutes.
Make the Sauce:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Finish the Dish:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the beef strips to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is heated through.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Serve the Beef Stroganoff over egg noodles or rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
The Midnight Library
Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices. Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets? Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her every regret, she embarks on a journey and travels through the Midnight Library to discover whether life truly holds the meaning she believes.
Between life and death there is a library. When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change. The books in the Midnight Library enable Nora to live as if she had done things differently. With the help of an old friend, she can now undo every one of her regrets as she tries to work out her perfect life. But things aren’t always what she imagined they’d be, and soon her choices place the library and herself in extreme danger. Before time runs out, she must answer the ultimate question: what is the best way to live?
Discussion Questions
- What would be some of the books you might expect to find in your own 'Midnight Library'?
- How does the author use the concept of the 'Midnight Library' to explore themes of regret and hope?
- Discuss the character development of Nora Seed throughout the novel.
- How does Matt Haig portray the idea of parallel universes, and how does this shape the narrative?
- What are the main lessons that Nora learns by the end of the novel?
- In what ways does the story challenge our perceptions of missed opportunities and regrets?
- How do the supporting characters contribute to Nora's journey and what do they symbolize?
- Discuss how mental health is depicted in the book and its importance to the storyline.
- Why do you think the author chose a library as the setting for this exploration of life's possibilities?
- What is your interpretation of the novel's ending, and what message does it convey about living life to the fullest?
Authors:
Matt Haig
ISBN: 0525559477
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-09-29
White Russian
The White Russian is a rich and satisfying cocktail composed of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream, offering a smooth yet indulgent taste experience. It's the perfect evening drink to complement a hearty meal or a relaxing book reading session.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 1 ounce heavy cream or whole milk
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the vodka and coffee liqueur over the ice.
- Stir well to combine.
- Slowly float the cream on top and stir gently.